ADVANCE Mentorship

The Burroughs Foundation ADVANCE Mentorship is designed to prepare students to turn their college degree into a successful and fulfilling career. Students will receive executive coaching from experienced industry professionals to help refine their career interests and goals, improve their resume and interview skills, establish a professional network, and develop valuable personal skills to thrive in the workforce and in life. Upon completion of the program, ADVANCE scholars will have an opportunity to earn a need-based stipend to help with expenses to transition into a career.

Mentor Application
Student Application
  • Open to current Burroughs Scholars during their junior and senior years.
  • Online application with questions about career interests, goals, hobbies, etc. for mentor matching
  • Mentors matched with students based on relatable experience, skills, interests, etc.
  • Orientation session for students & mentors
  • Minimum of 6 required interactions (virtual and/or in-person)
  • Be a friend, supporter, and advisor.
  • Share perspective and advice about making smart choices in school, preparing for the job search, developing social skills, and how to get ahead in a career.
  • Be a sounding board and provide practical feedback.
  • Communicate knowledge, share useful resources, and help clarify professional goals.
  • Offer a first-hand look at the work field by providing job shadowing experiences (may be virtual).
  • Offer insights on useful skills for work and life, such as time-management, problem-solving, and decision-making.
  • Look for opportunities to expose mentees to new social and cultural experiences to help them become more well-rounded.

NOTE: Activities may be virtual and/or in-person; Activities should be personalized based on student goals & interests

  • Strengths & Career Interest Exploration
  • Discuss Industry/Employment Trends & Resources
  • Support with Resume & Interview Skills
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Internship Guidance
  • Mentor Shadowing (Company Tour, Attend Meetings, Project Assistance, etc.)
  • Career-Focused Professional Development Opportunities
  • Personal Skills (Decision-Making, Problem-Solving, Work-Life Balance, etc.)
  • Ongoing Meetings (In-Person or Virtual) to Discuss Concerns & Opportunities
  • Current Burrough’s Scholar in good standing & on track to graduate on time
  • Submit a letter of recommendation from an employer, faculty member, internship director, former mentor, etc.
  • Be honest, responsive & accessible to help facilitate a personalized, supportive experience
  • Complete the minimum number of interactions & take appropriate steps to reschedule and/or communicate any challenges with participating
  • Take advantage of college resources as advised by the mentor (ex. Career Pathways)
  • Required objectives: 1. Self-marketing strategy (resume/LinkedIn, cover letter, work portfolio & interview plan); 2. Interactions with 2+ desired employers; 3. 5-year plan with career goals
  • Complete a culminating project conveying how the mentorship will advance career & life goals